Edgerton Elementary Honored by U.S. Department of Education

Edgerton Elementary School receives distinguished National Blue Ribbon Award

Today, Edgerton Elementary staff and students learned their school was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School. The United States Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, announced Edgerton Elementary School was a recipient of the highest academic award presented by the United States Department of Education – the National Blue Ribbon designation.

Of the 353 schools recognized nationwide today, only four schools in the state of Kansas were honored with this distinguished award. Edgerton Elementary is one of only two schools recognized in the entire Kansas City metropolitan area. Edgerton Elementary is the fourth school in USD 231 history to receive the Blue Ribbon Award, preceded by Sunflower Elementary (2011), Wheatridge Middle (2016), and Gardner Elementary (2017).

"The National Blue Ribbon Award stands as a resounding testament to the commitment and relentless efforts of our students, faculty, parents, and community," stated Tom Reddin, President of the USD 231 Board. “The National Blue Ribbon Award is the highest distinction an academic institution can receive nationally, and on behalf of the entire board, we are extremely proud of this outstanding achievement and honor.”

The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates:

Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests (Edgerton Elementary).

Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.

A committee consisting of school administrators, staff members from previously honored NBR schools, the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA), the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), and the Kansas Principals Association (KPA) review data on schools deemed to have dramatically improved to high levels and those achieving at high levels regardless of demographics. These selected schools are then nominated by the Kansas Department of Education to the United States Secretary of Education. Once nominated, a lengthy application is required to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by the nominated school, including an extensive narrative describing the school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.

“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Dr. Cardona went on to state, “We take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families.”

An assembly honoring the 147 students and 40 staff members will be held in the near future. State and local dignitaries are invited to share in celebrating this tremendous accomplishment. The national ceremonial award program will be held in Washington, DC, on November 16 and 17, 2023.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Huff expressed, “This national honor fills us with immense pride, validating Edgerton Elementary stakeholder’s dedication to their roles – ensuring the success of every student. This, ultimately, is the essence of our purpose. We couldn’t be more proud of the Edgerton Elementary staff, students, families, and community for this accomplishment, yet everyone should be reminded that the honor is actually a reflection of every school in our district.”

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